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"But would you like to swing on a star, carry moonbeams home in a jar?" Hudson Hawk can't be the only singing tea leaf around, so Mark 'Frank Sinatra' Caswell donned a black balaclava (after tripping over a couple of times he turned it round the right way) and joined in the fun. Swag bags ahoy methinks.

Rats, I killed off the 'Bonanza' gag in the issue 82 preview. It wasn't very funny anyway (is anything I write funny? Don't answer that, you bar stewards!). S'pose I'd better race straight into the game then: Mobo and Robo are two catburglars (don't tell Mrs Slocombe about it) who are out on the job (if you knoworrimean). Y'see they were putting their feet up and watching TV one night (as you do), when the picture faded to reveal a dark and mysterious figure (phrr!) who promptly told the daring duo of his plan (after they had reappeared from behind the sofa).

Apparently this mysterious stranger (from now on to be called Mr. X) is a successful businessman who has had many of his premises burgled. As our heroes are the best 'borrowers' of personal possessions in the business, they are given the job of testing Mr. X's security systems. So with or without a pal you have to explore the ten levels of the game, and swipe a variety of goodies (for the sake of the test, of course). You carry a huge swag bag and a strange gun that fires giant yellow Smarties. These stun the various security guards, none of who know the purpose of the exercise. They think you're half inching the spondoolies, so they're after the glory that goes with nicking 'orrible little tea leaves like you.

The screen is split into two horizontal sections (one per player) with a radar screen in the centre. This is used to pinpoint the objects to be collected (the number is specified at the start of the level), and certainly saves you searching willy nilly. Level One is called 'Company' and gives our heroes two and a half minutes to collect four objects.

Of course they are scattered around, but that's what the radar is for (makes sense to me, guv). Robo and Mobo's biggest problem (apart from the time limit) are the security guards. These come in several types - some blow their whistles before shooting you, while others shoot first and ask questions to lead-riddled carcasses later. Though the biggest paints in the butt are the guys in full riot gear, they can only be stunned by shooting them in the back.

Though there are other ways (apart from stunning) to skin the proverbial cat. Doors can be opened when guards are in the way, or by pressing glowing buttons set in the wall large weights can be dropped. The idea of a two player game isn't new, but most don't place both participants on the screen at the same time. Bonanza Bros. does and this lends a sense of camaraderie to the proceedings. It also halves the amount of time taken in grabbing the goodies...

From the collection of the first piece of swag, the game pulls you into the hectic world of thievery. The guards all take their jobs tres seriously, and as there are several security officer types around, passing them takes a bit of thought. Graphically, the game is colourful, although the main sprites are slightly splodgy (especially Mobo). Though this is forgivable as the game is so playable. A good buy - an even better steal!!!!

What a corker! Bonanza Bros. puts a whole new perspective on the platforms and ladders collect-'em-up genre, and provides a good few laughs along the way.

With such an original concept it's vital that the difficulty curve is well thought out, and Bonanza Bros. is excellent. The first level is a doddle (after the first few attempts!), the second made trickier by a more complex map, the third introduces additional features, etc - frustration is kept to a minimum and you'll be playing for ages!

It's great to see a game that doesn't rely on bunging bigger baddies at you for its progressive difficulty. You might get a bit bored playing on your own, but if you enjoy a good two-player romp, then Bonanza Bros. is an essential purchase. 86%

Presentation 82%
Neat title page, occasional between-level puzzles.

Graphics 80%
Colourful, but slightly spodgy, especially on the sprites.

Sound 81%
Pleasant 'whistle along' game tune and functional FX.

Hookability 84%
Hooked as soon as you pick up yer Swag bag.

Lastability 83%
Can't stop till the boys have completed their task.

Overall 85%